Sunday, April 24, 2011

18th Street Gourmet

You could easily just walk on by this little corner bakery at 18th and Guerrero and not know what you're missing. Or maybe there will be a line-up out the door and the smells wafting out will be impossible to ignore. New York Times food writer Mark Bittman has called Tartine his favorite bakery in the U.S. and in 2008 the owners Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson won the James Beard Foundation award as best pastry chefs in America. Anything you get here whether it be a cookie, croissant, piece of cake, sandwich, bread pudding, anything, will make your taste buds fall in love with this place and anticipate what delight you will choose on the next visit.

Just west along 18th is the BiRite Market which has been a Mission institution since 1940. The store is still in the same family and has its original neon sign and art deco facade. They stock lots of delectable local food and host a non-profit community space for tastings, art shows, dinners, classes and workshops.

And just a little further along the street is the BiRite Creamery featuring ice cream flavors like honey lavender, roasted banana and orange cardamom. You can enjoy your treat around the corner in Dolores Park.

Here is a quick afternoon snack inspired by the good bread at Tartine and the salted caramel ice cream at BiRite: toasted baguette rounds with dulce de leche and sea salt.